Assault Attorney in Austin, Texas

Assault is one of the most broadly defined offenses in Texas law. Under Texas Penal Code §22.01, assault covers physical contact causing bodily injury, threats of imminent bodily injury, and even offensive physical contact — meaning the spectrum runs from a bar confrontation to a domestic situation to a workplace altercation. The charge classification depends on the specific conduct, the relationship between the parties, and whether certain aggravating factors are present.

A Class C misdemeanor assault — typically a threat without physical contact or minor offensive touching — carries only a fine of up to $500 with no jail time. A Class A misdemeanor assault involving bodily injury can result in up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000. When assault is alleged against a family or household member, it elevates to a Class A misdemeanor regardless of the severity of injury, with additional collateral consequences for firearm rights.

Aggravated assault under Texas Penal Code §22.02 is charged when the assault causes serious bodily injury or involves a deadly weapon. This is a second-degree felony (2–20 years in prison) in most cases. Against public servants, security officers, or in domestic situations where a deadly weapon is used, aggravated assault becomes a first-degree felony (5–99 years or life in prison).

Self-defense is the most common defense to assault charges in Texas. Texas law recognizes the right to use force to protect oneself when a reasonable person would believe the force was immediately necessary to prevent the other person's use of unlawful force. Texas also has a Castle Doctrine that applies when the alleged assault occurred in a person's home, vehicle, or workplace. The specific facts matter — what happened first, who escalated, what threats were made.

In cases involving witnesses, surveillance footage, or physical evidence, early attorney involvement matters. Evidence preservation — obtaining surveillance footage before it's overwritten, identifying and interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh — is one of the most important early steps in an assault defense.

We connect Austin residents charged with assault with criminal defense attorneys who evaluate the specific charge, the circumstances, the available evidence, and the applicable defenses before advising on strategy. Travis County assault cases often resolve without trial when the defense evidence is strong — the path depends on the quality of the representation.